Mortehoe and a Tractor Ride

Incase vistiting Pickwell Manor surrounded by farmland wasn't "country" enough the National Trust run the most wonderful tractor rides during July and August...

Now this isn't your standard tractor ride... Local volunteer farmers take it in turns to drive a very comfy carriage with padded seats and seat belts! (But don't worry there are still lots of fun bumps along the way!)

On Wednesday's the trip takes you out to Morte Point to watch for seals, and on Tuesday to Bull Point Lighthouse. Both rides give you the chance to get off the tractor and spend 10 minutes on the spectacular coastline.

Each tractor ride also comes with a volunteer guide who talks you through bits of the local history as you drive through Mortehoe and the headland, then for those you of (big and small) who love a good Tractor the farmers let you jump in the drivers seat!

So the logistics:Mortehoe is about 15 minutes in the car accessed by driving through Woolacombe and up a very steep hill.The tractor leaves from Mortehoe village car park directly behind the village museum.The car park is £1.10 per hour or £4.40 all day.There are standard public toilets in the car park.You do need to book your tickets in advance or on the morning over the phone as they only do the ride hourly and have 20 spaces per ride... It is very popular! You pay in cash on arrival.The museum has a lovely childrens' play area so its a good idea to arrive early to get the parking spot and enjoy the museum and outside space.The tractor ride takes around 40-45 mins in total.There are plenty of places to eat in Mortehoe along with 2 village shops just opposite the car park entrance (the post office sells old fashioned sweet from jars - perfect to help feel a little more 'Famous Five' for the day!).

So onto Mortehoe!... The village is steeped in history of smugglers and pirates and Dukes building secret tunnels down to the coves and is full of charm and places to explore.

First things first though... Eating!

The National Trust has a little tea room right in the centre of the village with both outdoor and indoor seating (top left picture).Miss Fae's cafe runs out of The Smugglers Rest (top right) and does lovely lunches along with gin tasting and pizza nights.The Chichester Arms (bottom) is one of 2 pubs in Mortehoe serving lunch and dinner,

The food doesn't just stop with Cafe's... There is a fantastic delicatessen that also serves cream tea's and coffee's. (bottom right)Mortehoe Post Office has shelves of old fashioned sweets in jars that they sell in grams in paper bags (I can highly recommend the toffee bon bons!)Mortehoe village stores sells local breads, veg, meats, basic larder supplies as well as branded biscuits/fudge etc to take home for gifts.

There is a great fish and chips shop that also sells locally caught fish/crabs/shelfish etc.Just next door is Rockleigh takeaway that sells delicious healthy homemade food such as curry, spaghetti bolognaise, lasagna, vegetable tagine, etc.

Mortehoe has accèss to the most incredible coastal path and headland walks. The National Trust has all the local walks easily available on their website and it really is one of the most stunning parts of our coastline. It is also full of Geo-cache's if you don't find this pirate land exciting enough!

Some of our favourite walks lead to Morte Point, Bull Point Lighthouse (pictured), Rockham Beach, Grunta Beach and Bennetts Mouth. They range in length from 2 miles round trip to 6 miles but well worth it and you wont find a better backdrop for your picnic Instagram shot!